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FAQ

What types of clinical trials does the Craniofacial Clinical Research Program offer?
The CCRP conducts clinical trials on various aspects of oral health, including: dental implant therapy, restorative dental materials and procedures, caries prevention strategies, craniofacial growth, and genetic disorders such as ectodermal dysplasia.

Where does the CCRP receive funding to conduct studies?
The CCRP has a history of collaboration with corporate sponsors, which have funded many of the clinical trials conducted at the University of Iowa. The CCRP is also affiliated with the University of Iowa’s Institute for Clinical & Translational Science, which serves as a resource for clinical research at the University of Iowa. In addition, grants have been awarded by the National Institutes of Health to support investigator-initiated research that takes place in the CCRP.

Who will provide my care while I’m involved in a clinical study in the CCRP?
Dentists who are faculty members at the College of Dentistry will be your primary providers while enrolled in a clinical study. Resident dentists may also provide aspects of your care, as deemed appropriate by overseeing faculty members.

What are the steps to being formally enrolled in a clinical study?
Once you have expressed interest in being enrolled in an actively recruiting study, you will be contacted by a clinical research coordinator. The research coordinator will help you schedule a screening visit in the CCRP with a dentist-researcher. At the screening visit, the specific objectives and timeline of the clinical study will be explained to you in detail, and you will be given an opportunity to ask questions. At the screening visit, we obtain your signature and consent to participate in the study. Once we have obtained informed consent, we will obtain all relevant dental and medical history, and go over inclusion and exclusion criteria specific to the study. If you are enrolled in the study, we will schedule subsequent visits in our clinic to formally begin the study protocol.

What is the provider’s responsibility in the clinical study?
The provider is responsible for continuing the process of informed consent throughout the duration of the study, and for answering any questions you may have along the way. The provider will also ensure you receive the appropriate care, while ensuring your safety.

What is my responsibility as part of the clinical study?
You are responsible for informing the research team if there are changes to your dental or medical health while participating in the study. You are also expected to keep all of your study related visits in a timely manner so that you may receive the most optimal care possible, while not compromising the progress of the study.

Can I cease participation in the study once it has begun?
Yes, it is your right as a research subject to stop participation at any point during the clinical trial. However, it is in your interest to speak with your treating provider prior to doing so to ensure that you do not experience any adverse health or dental risks due to not completing the study.

What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
You may have access to dental or medical devices, drugs, or therapies before they are available to the general public. Your participation may benefit society at large by contributing to wider oral and craniofacial knowledge.

What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?
Each trial has its own set of unique risks that will be explained to you in detail at your screening visit during the informed consent process.

Who should I contact if I am interested in participating in a clinical trial listed on your Current Studies page?
Contact information is listed for the clinical coordinator managing each trial. You may contact them by phone or email to get more information about the trial and to schedule your screening visit.